The Pā Graduation

Address

The Pā, University of Waikato, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton.

Parking

Public Parking is available via Gate 1, Knighton Rd and Gate 10, Silverdale Rd. To assist you with finding your way around campus, please refer to our Campus Map.

Proceedings

Please arrive in your regalia 45 minutes before your ceremony is due to start. It is important that you arrive early, otherwise you will miss the registration process for your ceremony.

  • Leave any personal belongings with your guests. You need to have your hands free when you go up on to the stage and may not be seated in the same seat after presentation of your qualification
  • Go to the marshalling area inside Te Manawa (Student Centre) (your guests can be seated in the venue, or be guided to the marae ātea to be called on)
  • Look for your name on the marshalling boards – names are listed alphabetically under the qualification you are receiving
  • Take note of your registration number (a letter and number combination) and line up in order of that number – marshals are there to assist you
  • Five minutes before your ceremony you will be led to the wharenui to be seated for the karanga; please stay in your lines
  • Once the procession begins, a marshal will lead you into the ceremony
  • Marshals will guide you to your seating row
  • Remain standing until all members of the procession have reached their seats
  • If you have any cultural requirements that may impact ceremony proceedings or if any of your guests require assistance, please let us know by emailing info@waikato.ac.nz prior to the event
  • After the ceremony, you will assemble at the Village Green where your guests can join you.

Guest Registration

Registrations for your guests' attendance at graduation ceremonies can be done via Eventbrite.  The registration site will open approximately three weeks before the ceremony takes place.

It is essential that you register the number of guests you are bringing so our teams can plan accordingly. To make these registrations, simply enter your Student ID as ‘Access Code’ to access the relevant ceremony. (Note: Graduands themselves do not require a ticket).

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Graduation Eventbrite page
  2. Click 'Get Tickets'
  3. Enter your Student ID as the 'Promo Code'
  4. Click 'Apply'
  5. Select number of tickets for the relevant ceremony
  6. Fill out the required information and click 'Register'

All ceremonies will be livestreamed to the University’s Facebook page, as well as big screens outside the venue.

Light refreshments

All graduating students and their guests are invited to join University staff after each ceremony for complimentary light refreshments. Graduands are advised to make city dining arrangements early to secure a booking. There are also food and beverage options available on campus to purchase prior to your ceremony if you wish.

Information for guests

  • If you plan on attending the pōwhiri in the morning, please arrive 30 minutes prior so our staff can conduct the necessary briefings.
  • Doors to Te Āhurutanga (the Student Hub) will open 30mins prior to each subsequent ceremony, for those who do not wish to be called on to The Pā through the marae ātea.
  • If you are late to the ceremony, a lock-out will apply for the first 20 minutes of each graduation ceremony. Talk to a staff member who will direct you to your seat once the ceremony opening formalities have finished.
  • Food and drink are not permitted inside Te Āhurutanga while the ceremony is on, and mobile phones must be switched off during the formal graduation ceremony.
  • After the ceremony, you can meet your graduate in the dedicated areas for refreshments and further celebration. Staff will be able to guide you.

Graduands or guests with a disability

If you or any of your guests have a disability and require special assistance on the day please contact the Student Centre on 0800 WAIKATO or info@waikato.ac.nz so that special access and seating can be arranged.